Christmas Cheer

My neighbor has taken gaudy lawn ornaments to a new level. Please observe the front garden (= yard, or more aptly described, walled in piece of grass and concrete in front of this "period" house). Every time I look at this picture I notice something new. The giraffe, the lady bug, the chariot, an alien. It's like Where's Waldo, although in England, it's called "Where's Wally". 

The brick walls are even covered with randomly placed figurines, toy trains, books... the look this person must be going for is "trinket shop tornado".

Lawn Ornament Hell

I can't even begin to imagine what the inside of the house looks like and I'm shocked that it appears no one one has stolen anything, although with the plethora at hand, I'm sure they wouldn't notice that anything was awry. Living in a college town, you'd think there would be students shopping for dorm room decorations at this house some time after midnight, but luckily for this neighbor it seems our quiet side street is keeping these treasures in their place.

Aside from this dismal display of gaudiness, I haven't seen many Christmas decorations at homes and certainly no Griswold light displays in the front of houses. The cost of Christmas lights in England is out of control. That Christmas spirit is rarely displayed in the form of lights and cost is probably a big reason. M&S sells icicle lights for 29.50 = $47. For a strand of lights! I've heard the prices are even higher in London.

At least London's Regent Street hasn't skimped on the Christmas Cheer! You're unlikely to find Christmas lights anywhere other than on these shopping streets, and the few skimpy strands thrown on the tree at Trafalgar Square.

I'm enjoying being home for a few weeks so I can enjoy the tacky Christmas spirit in the USA. I can't imagine what my neighbor's house would look like if she got her hands on some good ol' American style lit up Christmas lawn decorations. That would be a sight to see!